Our tourism sector shines

ONCE again our tourism industry has picked up a swag of titles at the Queensland Tourism Awards.

We received 15 gongs, including three gold, tying with Brisbane.

Furthermore Port Douglas tourism identity and Tourism Tropical North Queensland chairwoman Wendy Morris received the top individual award and Paronella Park was judged the people’s choice award for experience and service.

Ms Morris was the winner of the Marie Watson-Blake Award for outstanding contribution by an individual. She has been involved in the marketing and management of small and large tourism enterprises in the Far North for 30 years.

Ms Morris was a pioneer in the development of Great Barrier Reefbased eco-tourism operations and has held senior executive positions in hotels and resorts, tours and attractions in Queensland, many of which were developed by the Morris family.

For eight years she was closely involved in the realisation of the $380 million Mt Emerald Wind Farm, which will also have a visitor experience component.

Paronella Park is a tourism attraction which is also family owned and operated and a quintessential part of the industry. It was judged the best tourist attraction.

Award-winning Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park has done it again, voted number one indigenous tourism attraction while Cobbold Village picked up gold for hosted accommodation.

Our tourism sector always punches above its weight and this is proven with these awards.